'Last Night As I Was Sleeping' by Antonio Machado


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Ten Poems to Change Your Life by Roger Housden1903 -- Machado's first collection: SoledadsLast night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt-marvelous error!-
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart.
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me,
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt-marvelous error!-
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt-marvelous error!-
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.Last night as I slept,
I dreamt-marvelous error!-
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Last Night As I Was Sleeping: A Deep Dive into Antonio Machado's Masterpiece

Antonio Machado, the celebrated Spanish poet, is known for his profound and enigmatic works that explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. His poem, "Last Night As I Was Sleeping," is a haunting and emotive piece that explores the mysteries of life and death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deep dive into this masterpiece and uncover the hidden meanings and nuances that make it one of Machado's finest works.

The Poem: An Overview

"Last Night As I Was Sleeping" is a short poem that consists of only 16 lines. It was originally written in Spanish, and has since been translated into many different languages. The poem begins with the speaker describing a dream that they had the previous night. In this dream, they encountered a stranger who told them a secret that they would not reveal. The speaker then goes on to describe their own thoughts and feelings about the dream, and the meaning that they have taken from it.

Analysis: The Themes

One of the most striking things about "Last Night As I Was Sleeping" is the way that it explores a number of deep and complex themes. Perhaps the most significant of these themes is the idea of mortality. Throughout the poem, the speaker is acutely aware of the fact that they are only mortal, and that their time on earth is limited. This is reflected in the dream that they have, which seems to hint at the idea that there are secrets and mysteries that will remain hidden from them forever.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of the unknown. The stranger in the dream represents something that is mysterious and unknown, and the fact that they refuse to reveal their secret only adds to the sense of mystery and uncertainty that pervades the poem. This theme is further developed through the use of metaphor and imagery, such as the "mysterious star" that the speaker sees in the sky.

Finally, the poem also explores the themes of love and loss. Although these themes are not as prominent as the others, they are still present in the poem. The speaker's thoughts about their dream suggest that they have experienced some kind of loss or disappointment in their life. However, the fact that they are still able to find meaning and beauty in the world around them suggests that there is still hope for them to find love and happiness.

Analysis: The Structure

One of the most striking things about "Last Night As I Was Sleeping" is the way that it is structured. The poem consists of only 16 lines, but each line is packed with meaning and nuance. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not conform to any particular rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of fluidity and organicism, as if the words are flowing naturally from the speaker's thoughts.

Another interesting aspect of the poem's structure is the way that it is divided into three distinct sections. The first section consists of the first two lines, which describe the dream that the speaker had. The second section consists of the next six lines, which describe the speaker's thoughts and feelings about the dream. The final section consists of the last eight lines, which offer a more philosophical reflection on the themes and ideas that the poem explores.

Analysis: The Language

Perhaps the most striking thing about "Last Night As I Was Sleeping" is the way that it is written. Machado's use of language is both simple and profound, and he manages to convey a great deal of meaning and emotion with only a few carefully chosen words. The poem is full of beautiful imagery and metaphor, such as the "mysterious star" in the sky and the "silent houses" that the speaker sees as they walk through the night.

Another interesting aspect of the language in the poem is the way that it is both personal and universal. Although the speaker is clearly describing their own experiences and feelings, the language that they use is so powerful and evocative that it resonates with readers on a much deeper and more universal level. This is particularly true of the final two lines of the poem, which offer a profound and moving reflection on the mysteries of life and death.

Interpretation: The Meaning

So, what does "Last Night As I Was Sleeping" mean? As with many great works of literature, the poem is open to a wide range of interpretations. However, some of the most common interpretations include:

Conclusion

"Last Night As I Was Sleeping" is a profound and moving poem that explores a wide range of complex themes and ideas. Through its beautiful language and structure, it manages to convey a great deal of meaning and emotion in only a few short lines. Whether you interpret the poem as a reflection on mortality, a meditation on the mysteries of the unknown, or something else entirely, there is no denying the power and beauty of Machado's masterpiece.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Last Night As I Was Sleeping: A Poetic Masterpiece by Antonio Machado

Antonio Machado, a renowned Spanish poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that combines simplicity with depth. His poem, Last Night As I Was Sleeping, is a perfect example of his poetic genius. The poem is a beautiful reflection on life, death, and the human condition. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a dream he had the previous night. He says that he dreamed of a fountain, a garden, and a woman. The fountain represents life, the garden represents the world, and the woman represents love. The dream is a metaphor for the speaker's life, and the three elements represent the three things that are most important to him.

The speaker then goes on to say that he woke up from the dream and realized that he was still alive. He says that he felt a sense of relief and gratitude for being alive. This is a common theme in Machado's poetry - the appreciation of life and the beauty of the world around us.

The next stanza is where the poem really starts to shine. The speaker says that he realized that he was not alone - that there were millions of people in the world who were also alive. He says that he felt a sense of unity with these people, and that he was a part of something greater than himself. This is a powerful statement about the human condition - that we are all connected, and that we all share the same experiences and emotions.

The speaker then goes on to say that he felt a sense of responsibility towards these people. He says that he felt that he had a duty to help them, to make their lives better. This is a common theme in Machado's poetry - the idea that we all have a responsibility to each other, and that we should strive to make the world a better place.

The next stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker says that he realized that he was also a part of something else - death. He says that he felt a sense of fear and uncertainty about what would happen when he died. This is a common theme in Machado's poetry - the idea that death is a natural part of life, but that it is also something to be feared and respected.

The speaker then goes on to say that he realized that death was not the end - that there was something beyond it. He says that he felt a sense of hope and comfort in this realization. This is a powerful statement about the human condition - that even in the face of death, there is still hope and beauty in the world.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker ties everything together. He says that he realized that life, death, and love are all interconnected - that they are all part of the same cycle. He says that he felt a sense of peace and acceptance in this realization. This is a common theme in Machado's poetry - the idea that we should accept the world as it is, and find beauty and meaning in it.

Overall, Last Night As I Was Sleeping is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Machado's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and his message is both profound and uplifting. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and enlighten, and it is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of language and the depth of human experience.

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